Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has revealed that his decision to step down from office was to allow the smooth appointment and transition to a new chairman.
Yakubu, who announced his exit during a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, officially handed over to National Commissioner Ms May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman of the commission.
Explaining his decision, Yakubu said, “I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment.
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“Following consultation with other national commissioners, Ms May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman of the commission.”
He added that the decision would afford the appointing authorities enough time to select a new chairman, saying, “It will also enable the new chairman to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment.”
Yakubu expressed gratitude to INEC members and RECs for their cooperation throughout his decade-long service, noting, “Since 2015, I have worked with 24 national commissioners and 67 RECs. Together, we innovated and managed the commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down.”
He also appreciated the National Assembly, political parties, civil society, the media, labour unions, security agencies, the National Peace Committee, and Nigerians at large for their support, saying, “Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments as well as criticisms which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere.”
Reflecting on INEC’s achievements under his leadership, Yakubu said the commission had consolidated the biometric register of voters, replaced several manual processes with digital platforms, and introduced technologies that improved the nomination of candidates, accreditation of observers, result management, and election monitoring.
He stated, “With the support of development partners, INEC introduced various technologies to improve diverse aspects of election management, such as the easy location of election facilities, management of collation and returning officers, virtual training of electoral staff, and monitoring of political parties’ finances.”
Yakubu also noted that despite the progress, much work remained ahead.
“The commission is already preparing for the Anambra governorship election holding in November, the FCT Area Council election, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2026,” he said.
He added that preparations had begun for the 2027 general elections while awaiting the enactment of a new Electoral Act.
“The bill is currently before the National Assembly. It is expected that electoral reforms contained in the new act will necessitate further review of our regulations and guidelines,” he explained.
In her response, Acting INEC Chairman, Ms Agbamuche-Mbu, commended Yakubu’s leadership and legacy, saying, “We acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements made by Yakubu during his tenure, in particular his hard work and dedication in serving our country meritoriously. We wish you God’s guidance in your future endeavours.
“As you step down, we pray for greater success in whatever you set out to do. We are confident that history will judge you very well.”
She pledged to uphold the integrity of the commission, stating, “I pledge to uphold the integrity of the commission and work with utmost professionalism, dedication and in unity with the honourable commissioners, the RECs, the directors, and all the staff of INEC nationwide.”
The event concluded with the presentation of two books authored under Yakubu’s tenure — “Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025” and “Electoral Technology 2015–2025” — which document INEC’s activities and technological reforms over the past decade. Yakubu officially signed and handed over his notes to Agbamuche-Mbu at the close of the ceremony.
